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Tags : Dam

Time Required : 1-2 hrs

Entry Fee : INR 500 onwards

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Pandoh Lake

Pandoh Dam, Mandi Overview

Pandoh Dam is an embankment Dam that lies in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Constructed on Beas River, the primary purpose of Pandoh Dam is hydroelectric power generation. It was commissioned in 1977 and is located at a distance of 10 km from Manali. The man-made lake created by the dam draws a good number of people towards it. Vacationers travelling to Manali get a perfect location near the dam to click great pictures as the location is highly picturesque and full of lush greenery. If you want to see the view of the water flowing, you need to reach there at the right time. The sight of water being released is fantastic and is a treat for your eyes. Also, you can lay your eyes upon the lovely water birds into the greenish blue waters of the dam. Rafting is another favourite activity here, usually done in the lower bed.

Being a part of a run-of-the-river power design, the Pandoh Dam diverts water from Beas to southwest through a channel of tunnels which are 38 km long. Before it is discharged into the Sutlej River, the water of the dam is used for power generation at the Dehar Power House (with a capacity of 990 MW). The dam is under Bhakra Beas Management Board. The road that goes from over the dam is NH 21. Pandoh Dam is often flocked by tourists due to a plethora of attractions situated nearby. Some of the nearby attractions include River Beas, Hadimba Temple, Solang-Nullah, Beas Kund, Jogini waterfalls, Solang Valley, Manikaran Sahib and the Naggar Castle.

Pandoh Dam and Lake together attracts a lot of visitors due to their virgin beauty that comprises of emerald green waters nestled amidst the pine forests. The surrounding area of the dam is somewhat isolated and hence provides the necessary tranquillity and serenity to the visitors. The place is an ideal spot for picnics and is much cherished by families and kids. The picturesque setting gives the feel of an island to the visitors. You can sunbath here or splash some fresh water and have fun and frolic with your loved ones. It is one of the best camping sites in Himachal. However, the government is yet to explore this facility here. 

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Adventure Sports at Pandoh Dam

The narrow stretch of the lake is a host to various water sports and activities, especially during October-May every year. The adventurous activity of rafting takes place on the commercial basis. Also, known as White Water Rafting, the sports have gained a lot of fame during the past years. The snow-fed river offer rafting from the easiest to the most stringent levels. Splashing into the waters of Beas is an enthralling experience. The Beas River provides Grade IV and V rapids. The rugged terrain also attracts a lot of trekkers from all over India. Apart from these, activities like boating and swimming are banned here by the government.

History of Pandoh Dam

The plan to construct Pandoh Dam was made to exploit the potential of the Beas and Sutlej river systems. Beas, being a perennial river, has a continuous flow of water from the ice-melt. Thus, the power potential of the project was estimated to be around 1,000 MW. The plan originally named as Beas Project. The first plan was initiated by the Punjab Government in 1957. After a number of alterations, the plan was approved in 1963 and commissioned in 1977.

Best Time To Visit Pandoh Dam

Due to the presence of a dense forest belt nearby, the weather here is quite unpredictable. The area also experiences snowfall during the winter months. The best time to visit Pandoh Dam is from April to July and during the winter months from September until December. Monsoon is probably the worst time to visit this area due to heavy and unpredictable rainfall that might also result in landslides.

How To Reach Pandoh Dam

Pandoh Dam and Lake are located on the small rough road, which is located at some kilometres ahead on the Pandoh-Janjehli Road at a distance of 26 km from the Mandi city and 6 km from Pandoh. It lies at a distance of 10 km from the Manali Bus Stand. You can travel by Himachal tourism buses or can hire a private taxi. The area is well connected to the main city via all means of transport. Bus services are also quite prominent.

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